The Happiest Medium review by guest contributor Katelyn Manfre
It’s tough out there for a single girl. It’s especially tough out there for a single girl with a habit of substance abuse and an absent father. But Nicole Pandolfo bravely lays it on the line for us in Love in the Time of Chlamydia running now at UNDER St. Marks.
This Jersey girl has a lot of hilarious, ridiculous and oftentimes make-your-skin-crawl war stories from her wild single days in New York. There’s a lot of bar (and bed)-hopping, recreational drug use, parties with strangers, chance encounters, unfortunate moments, and one memorable trip to Paris. Despite all of the hardships and heartbreak, Pandolfo tells her story with a smile, a smug F-you to all of the guys who hurt her and let her down, namely her distant father.
Here is where the levity could use a bit of toning down. In her effort to remain sassy and humorous, Pandolfo glosses over the really tough stuff. Her relationship with her father was what pushed her into her habits of self-destructive dating and partying in the first place, and though she acknowledges it, she doesn’t fully flesh out her journey of self-discovery. Her ultimate decision to cut down on the excess and her eventual happy ending come too quickly and easily, without enough explanation.
Overall, Chlamydia is enjoyable, funny, and played without self-pity. Pandolfo’s wit and charm pair well with the bold, boozy subject matter. She’s uncensored and proud of it.
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Love in the Time of Chlamydia Company: Hard Sparks Directed by: Jonathan Warman Feb 29, 6:00PM Mar 04, 5:30PM $13.00 UNDER St.Marks~~~
The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.
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